A PIECE OF MY PEACE

Article by Janice Jones

My Bible’s dictionary/concordance describes peace as a state of calm, freedom from strife or discord, harmony in personal relationship.  Dictionary.com describes peace as a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations. Very similar, huh? And is it only natural that our spokesperson for peace would be none other than the Prince of Peace himself, Jesus Christ.  Isaiah 9:6 says, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

 

 

When I think about Jesus, peace is probably one of the last things I would recount in a description of Who I would say He is.  First to mind would be loving, then the customary gracious, merciful, forgiving, awesome, healer, deliverer, provider.  I’m sure if I kept on, and we all know I definitely could, peaceful would eventually come into play.  But it is not what I think of initially.  But as the scripture says He is the Prince of Peace.  When I think about this in detail, two instances come to mind. One would be when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying and asking God to take away the cup of crucifixion from Him.  Even though Jesus seemed distressed in the midst of that prayer, He had made peace with the situation that was to come.  Luke 22:42-44 says, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. The other instance was when Jesus was on the cross and asked God to forgive the fools (my word not Jesus’) who accused and were set to crucify Him unjustly.  Luke 23:34 says, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.” This kind of bending to God’s will no matter what He asks of you and this kind of forgiveness, no matter what is done to you, requires perfect Peace.  And the only One who has ever been able to execute such perfection is Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

Christians, are called to live peaceful lives.  We are called to be peaceful in turbulent situations.  We are called to be peaceful when we are attacked by our enemies.  We are called to be peaceful even when we are directly confronted by someone who has nothing that even resembles peace in their approach to us.  It is never okay to “go off” and respond in kind with evil.  Yes, we sometimes lose control.  And, yes, God forgives.  But we must acknowledge that behavior as wrong and repent. 

 

 

 

So let us today make a commitment to God and to ourselves to strive to bring forth the Fruit of peace and all other Fruit of the Spirit God has given us through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Let us show the truth of the Word as stated in 1 John 4:4 which says, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

 

 

 

I’m going to share the remainder of this week’s Fruit of the Spirit message in the form of a poem I wrote several years ago in addition to the scriptures that highlight God’s Word on Peace. 

 

 

 

A PIECE OF MY PEACE

 

 

 

With you I am willing to share a piece of my peace to help you get through

 

The tumultuous time that causes your heart to grieve and your mind to

 

Be in a place that is uncomfortable and represents calamity and unrest.

 

 

 

Cause I am taught constantly to share the gifts given of God with others. 

 

These treasures are not to be held onto selfishly, but charitably passed out

 

To those in need; spread amongst His children so that everyone will know

 

The glory of the Lord.

 

 

 

And of all the gifts my God gives, peace ranks amongst the most valuable;

 

Right up there with joy and love, nearly as important as wisdom,

 

Just behind salvation, even more important than provision and health.

 

 

 

Peace offers so much; it gives the power of ease and rest and clarity,

 

Strength and courage.  It lets us know our enemies are beneath us

 

Even when they are in the midst, plotting evil against our soul.

 

 

 

Peace is knowing that even though the love of your life is gone from

 

Your life, life goes on.  Peace shows us that just over the next horizon

 

Being ushered in with the subsequent sunrise, real love with it awaits.

 

 

 

Peace is an aftereffect of faith, letting us know that if we always believe

 

In the Most High, we can settle down and neglect our worries, recognizing

 

And rejoicing in the joy that will come in the morning.

 

 

 

Oh, my dear brother.  Yes my precious sister.  My gift to you is grand.

 

It is an offering of getting to know Jesus and searching the Word of God

 

To find that my words are true.  I am offering you a piece of my peace.

 

 

 

John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

 

 

 

Philippians 4:6-7, Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

Colossians 3:15, And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

 

 

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16, Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

 

Contact Janice Jones at https://www.facebook.com/Jnycethewriter